A root canal is a dental treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The procedure involves root canal the damaged area of the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting it, then filling and sealing it. This treatment can relieve pain and make it possible to keep a natural tooth instead of removing it.

This article explains everything about root canal treatment in simple words, including its process, reasons, benefits, and care after the treatment.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is the space inside the tooth that holds the pulp. The pulp is made up of nerves, tissues, and blood vessels. When a tooth gets cracked or has deep decay, bacteria can enter this space and cause infection. If the infected pulp is not removed, the tissue around the tooth can also become infected and may form an abscess.

Why is Root Canal Treatment Needed?

There are many reasons why a dentist may suggest a root canal. The most common ones include:

• Deep cavity or decay

• Cracked or broken tooth

• Injury to the tooth

• Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth

• Severe tooth pain or sensitivity

When the pulp gets infected or dies, it cannot heal on its own. The only solution is either root canal therapy or tooth removal. Root canal helps save the natural tooth, which is always better than getting it removed.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Some signs may indicate the need for a root canal:

• Constant or severe toothache

• Pain when chewing or biting

• Sensitivity to hot or cold that stays for a long time

• Swelling around the tooth or gum

• Discoloration or darkening of the tooth

• Pus or drainage near the tooth

These symptoms mean the inside of your tooth might be infected, and you should visit a dentist as soon as possible.

Steps Involved in Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is usually done in one or two dental visits. The process is as follows:

1. Examination and X-ray
   The dentist first examines the tooth and takes an X-ray to check the shape of the canals and see if there is infection in the bone.

2. Anesthesia
   Local anesthesia is given to numb the tooth and the surrounding area so you do not feel pain.

3. Cleaning the Root Canal
   A small opening is made on the top of the tooth. Then, special tools are used to remove the pulp and clean the inside of the tooth carefully.

4. Filling the Canal
   After cleaning, the space is filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. It is then sealed with dental cement to prevent future infection.

5. Restoring the Tooth
   A crown or cap is placed on the tooth later to make it strong and function like a normal tooth.

Does Root Canal Hurt?

Many people think a root canal is very painful. But with modern dental methods and anesthesia, the procedure is not painful. Most patients say that the pain they felt before treatment was much worse than the treatment itself. After the procedure, there might be some discomfort, but it goes away in a few days.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal has many advantages:

• It saves your natural tooth

• Stops the spread of infection

• Relieves tooth pain

• Restores normal chewing and biting

• Maintains the look of your smile

It is always better to save a natural tooth rather than getting it pulled and replaced with a fake one.

Care After Root Canal

After the root canal, your dentist may give you some medicine for pain and swelling. You should avoid chewing hard food with the treated tooth until the crown is placed. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing. Also, visit your dentist regularly to keep your teeth healthy.

How Long Does a Root Canal Last?

If done properly and taken care of, a root canal treated tooth can last for many years. Placing a crown and taking care of your teeth increases the success of the treatment. In some cases, if the tooth gets infected again, retreatment or surgery may be needed.

Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction

Sometimes people think pulling out a tooth is easier and cheaper. But removing a tooth can cause problems like misalignment, bone loss, and difficulty in chewing. Also, replacing a lost tooth with a bridge or implant can be more costly. Root canal, on the other hand, keeps your natural tooth and avoids these problems.

Cost of Root Canal

The cost of root canal depends on many factors like the tooth’s location, how bad the infection is, and the dentist’s experience. Molars usually cost more because they have more roots and are harder to treat. Though the treatment may seem expensive, it is a good investment in saving your natural tooth.

Who Performs a Root Canal?

General dentists and endodontists (specialists in tooth pulp treatment) both can perform root canals. For simple cases, a regular dentist is enough. But for complicated or repeated cases, an endodontist may be recommended.

Conclusion

Root canal is a safe and effective dental treatment that helps in saving an infected or damaged tooth. It protects your oral health, removes pain, and allows you to keep your natural smile. With proper care, a tooth that has had root canal treatment can last a lifetime.

For safe and professional root canal treatment, you can visit Hash Clinics where expert dental care is provided with comfort and care.